The Federal Government has taken delivery of 22 ultra- low Temperature freezers from the United Parcel Service Foundation (UPS) for COVID-19 Vaccines storage.
Receiving the items in Abuja, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, explained that the gesture was timely for an efficient cold chain system for vaccine preservation in the country.
Dr. Shuaib said the agency would continue to partner relevant stakeholders across the globe for Nigeria to meet its target of vaccinating 70% of the eligible population against COVID-19.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I want to thank the United Parcel Service (UPS) Foundation for this magnanimous donation of 22 Portable Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers to Nigeria. This donation is timely and relevant to our need for energy-efficient cold chain systems for vaccine storage in Nigeria. We cherish our partnership with UPS and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria meets its target of vaccinating half of its overall population against COVID-19”.
Dr Shuaib also announced that presently, Fifty two point three percent(52.3%) of eligible Nigerians have received first dose of COVID -19 Vaccine, while forty one (41%) have been fully vaccinated.
“58,479,201 persons representing 52.3% of the eligible population have received the first dose of COVID – 19 Vaccine, while 45,775,888 people have been fully vaccinated, representing 41% of eligible population. Making this remarkable progress amidst persistent disinformation and low risk perception has been possible because of the significant support we have received from our development partners, including United Parcel Services (UPS)” .
The Executive Director of the NPHCDA used the opportunity to remind Nigerians to take advantage of the scale 3.0 strategy which offers a unique opportunity for childhood vaccination and other PHC services for beneficiaries running concurrently with COVID-19 vaccination.
He urged parents to take their eligible children for vaccination against polio, yellow fever, measles and other vaccine preventable childhood diseases in the same locations where the adults also receive COVID-19 vaccines under the Scales 3.0 strategy.
The Managing Director United Parcel Service Foundation, UPS, Mr Michael Umoh, said the Ultra-Lower Freezers would help to keep the potency of COVID-19 Vaccines as well as promote access to the vaccines by the rural dwellers.
Mr. Umoh, emphasized that improving healthy wellbeing of every society requires supports and contributions of all stakeholders.
RN
